Portable toothpaste dispensing foldable toothbrush

ABSTRACT

A toothpaste dispensing toothbrush is disclosed, comprising a handle including an interior cavity to store a toothpaste therein. A dispensing element is provided within the interior cavity to dispense the toothpaste onto a head in fluid communication with the interior cavity via a conduit. A plurality of apertures are provided on the front side of the head to permit the egress of toothpaste onto the head along with a plurality of bristles positioned on the front side of the head to provide abrasion to the teeth, gums, and tongue during brushing.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments generally relate to toothbrushes and, more specifically,relate to toothpaste dispensing toothbrushes.

BACKGROUND

Toothbrushes are an oral hygiene instrument used to clean the teeth,gums, and tongue. The device often comprises a head of tightly clusteredbristles, providing a surface atop which toothpaste can be applied. Thehead is mounted to a handle, allowing the user to hold the toothbrushwhile the head and bristles clean the mouth.

Throughout the years, various toothbrush configurations have beendeveloped. Consumers can purchase heads having bristles with varyingtextures, sizes, and forms. For example, soft toothbrush bristles may bepreferable to hard due to the abrasive qualities of a hard bristles,which may cause damage to the enamel and gums. One major advancement inrecent years is the development of the electric toothbrush. It has beenshown that the electric toothbrush, which provides multi-directionalbristle movement, may reduce the incidence of gingivitis and plaque whencompared to regular side-to-side brushing with a manual brush.

Manual and electric toothbrushes alike require the user to applytoothpaste to the bristles for adequate cleaning of the teeth, gums, andtongue. This process is time consuming, tedious for compromised users,and requires a sufficient supply of toothpaste which can be forgotten ormisplaced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in asimplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description ofthe embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key oressential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is itintended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Embodiments described herein provide a toothpaste dispensing toothbrushcomprising a handle including an interior cavity to store a toothpastetherein. A dispensing element is provided within the interior cavity todispense the toothpaste onto a head in fluid communication with theinterior cavity via a conduit. A plurality of apertures are provided onthe front side of the head to permit the egress of toothpaste onto thehead along with a plurality of bristles positioned on the front side ofthe head to provide abrasion to the teeth, gums, and tongue duringbrushing.

The embodiments allow the user to store toothpaste in a containerpositioned within the interior cavity of the toothbrush handle andselectively dispense the toothpaste onto the bristles before use, thusreducing the need for storing toothpaste separately from the toothbrushand manually transferring the toothpaste from the toothpaste tube ontothe bristles.

In one aspect, the dispensing element is an Archimedes screw.

In one aspect, a rotationally engaged disc is in operable communicationwith the dispensing element.

In one aspect, a lock prevents the rotation of the rotationally engageddisc.

In one aspect, a latch retains the toothbrush in an unfolded positionduring use. The latch may be disengaged to allow folding of thetoothbrush during storage.

In one aspect, a hinge is in operable communication with a door topermit access to the interior cavity.

In one aspect, a rubber gasket is positioned between the disc and theinterior wall of the interior cavity to prevent the egress oftoothpaste.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantagesand features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description when considered in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-section view of the handle component andtoothpaste cavity, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section view of the dispenser, according tosome embodiments; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section view of the toothpaste dispensingtoothbrush, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom plan view of the bottom of the toothbrush,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dispensing element,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush handle andtoothpaste tube, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates a detailed view of the raised member to elevate thelatch, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates a top plan view of the rotating disc, according tosome embodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the rotating disc,dispensing element, and gaskets, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side elevation view of the toothpaste dispensingtoothbrush in an in-use configuration, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 11 illustrates a side elevation view of the toothpaste dispensingtoothbrush wherein the head pivots into a hygienically sealed storagecavity, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 12 illustrates a side elevation view of the toothpaste dispensingtoothbrush in a storage configuration, according to some embodiments;and

FIG. 13 illustrates a top plan view of the toothpaste dispensingtoothbrush in a storage configuration, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodimentsdescribed herein are to the described apparatus. Any specific details ofthe embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and nounnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understood therefrom.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that theembodiments reside primarily in combinations of components andprocedures related to the apparatus. Accordingly, the apparatuscomponents have been represented where appropriate by conventionalsymbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that arepertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure soas not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readilyapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thedescription herein.

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodimentsdescribed herein are set forth in this application. Any specific detailsof the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and nounnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom.Furthermore, as used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and“second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely todistinguish one entity or element from another entity or element withoutnecessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship,or order between such entities or elements.

In general, the embodiments provide a toothbrush having an integratedtoothpaste storage component and means for dispensing the toothpasteonto the bristles. The embodiments allow the user to store toothpaste ina container positioned within the interior cavity of the toothbrushhandle and selectively dispense the toothpaste onto the bristles beforeuse, thus reducing the need for storing toothpaste separately from thetoothbrush and manually transferring the toothpaste from the toothpastetube onto the bristles.

As used herein, the term “toothpaste” relates to various forms ofabrasives used in conjunction with a toothbrush for oral hygiene.Toothpaste may include tooth gel, tooth powder, and other dentifricesknown in the arts.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the handle 100 and the head101. The handle 100 includes an interior cavity 103 wherein a dispensingelement 313 (shown in FIG. 3) and toothpaste are disposed. A disc 105 isprovided between the handle 100 and head 101 such that the user mayrotate the rotationally engaged disc 105 to turn the dispensing element313 in operable communication thereto. For example, the dispensingelement 313 may be an Archimedes screw in communication with the disc.The Archimedes screw pumps the toothpaste from the interior cavity 103through a plurality of apertures 107 positioned on the head 101 todispense the toothpaste onto the bristles positioned on the head 101. Alock 109 allows the user to lock and unlock the disc 105 to prevent theunwanted flow of toothpaste from the apertures 107.

In some embodiments, the lock 109 may be in communication with a latchto permit the toothpaste to fold into a storage configuration when notin use or during travel.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dispenser 200 includingthe toothpaste container 201 contained within the interior cavity 103 ofthe toothbrush. Toothpaste is emitted from an end 203 of the container201 through a central aperture 205 at an extension 310 of the handle influid communication with the head of the toothbrush whereon thetoothpaste is dispensed.

In some embodiments, the handle 100 is comprised of a hollow tubeadapted to contain a plurality of toothpaste tubes. The toothpaste tubesare stored within the handle 100 of the toothbrush and are dispensed viaapertures positioned on the head of the toothbrush.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush 300including the handle 100 positioned at a first end 301 and a head 101positioned at the second end 303. The head 101 is comprised of a frontside 305 having a plurality of bristles 307 mounted thereon. Anextension 310 forms a conduit 311 between the apertures 107 and theplurality of toothpaste containers 201 to permit the flow of toothpastetherethrough. The dispensing element 313 (e.g., an Archimedes screw) ispositioned within the handle 100 to allow the user to selectivelydispense the toothpaste 309 onto the bristles 307 of the toothbrush.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom plan view of the rotationally engaged disc400 provided at an end 401 of the handle. The lock 109 is provided topermit or restrict the rotation of the rotationally engaged disc 400,which is rotated to operate the dispensing element 313 which thenforcibly emits the toothpaste 309 from within the interior cavity 103 ofthe toothbrush.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view showing the rotationallyengaged disc 400 in operable communication with the dispensing element313. The rotationally engaged disc 400 may be configured to rotate 360°to operate the dispensing element 313 which is illustrated as anArchimedes screw. The rotationally engaged disc 400 is in operablecommunication with disc 105 configured to move along the length of theinterior cavity 103 and forcibly emit the toothpaste therethrough.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush handle 100and the conduit configured to emit toothpaste from a container 201 tothe bristles 307 of the toothbrush. The tube 600 receives the dispensingelement 313 and permits the rotation thereof to drive the toothpaste 309from the container 201 to the bristles 307. A hinge 601 allows the userto access the interior cavity 103 and dispose toothpaste therein. Thehinge 601 is configured to open and close a door 603 which releasablyengages with a receiver 605 to permit the user to open and close theinterior cavity 103 to clean the toothbrush, perform maintenance, orreplace the toothpaste tubes contained within the interior cavity 103.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the latch mount 700, whichmay be raised or lowered to elevate a latch configured to hold thetoothbrush in place when in an unfolded and in-use configuration. Thelatch may be disengaged to fold the toothbrush during storage.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top plan view of the disc 105 to having a screwaperture 801 to engage with the dispensing element 313 configured tomove the toothpaste 309 from the interior cavity to the bristles 307.FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dispensing element 313positioned through the screw aperture 801. A rubber gasket 901 forms aseal between the disc 105 and the interior wall of the toothbrush handleto prevent the undesired egress of toothpaste 309 from the interiorcavity 103. The disc 105 is moved along the length of the interiorcavity 103 via the dispensing element 313 to forcibly move thetoothpaste 309 from the toothpaste tubes within the interior cavity 103,through the conduit 311 and onto the head 101 of the toothbrush.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 illustrate a side elevation view of the toothpastedispensing toothbrush 300 in an in-use configuration. The head 101 mayarticulate about a pivot 1001 to fold into and out of the handle 100wherein it may be hygienically sealed during storage. A door 1003 isprovided which may open and closed to provide a hygienic seal. The door1003 is provided on the front 1005 of the handle 100. A button may beprovided to allow the user to selectively open and close the door 1003during the operation of the door 1003 and hinged handle 100.

FIG. 12 illustrates the toothpaste dispensing toothbrush 300 in astorage configuration. The head 101 is disposed within the handle 100and hygienically sealed therein via the door 1003. In such, thetoothpaste dispensing toothbrush 300 may be used during travel whilekeeping the head 101 and components thereof sealed from the exteriorenvironment. This greatly reduces the likelihood of the head 101contacting pathogens, debris, and unwanted surfaces.

FIG. 13 illustrates a top plan view of the toothpaste dispensingtoothbrush 300 in a storage configuration wherein the door 1003 ispivoted to an open position. The head 101 and components thererof arefolded into the interior space of the handle 100 such that the door 1003may be pivoted closed to hygienically seal the head 101 within thehandle 100.

In some embodimens, the head may pivot via a screw mechanism allowingthe user to selectively position the toothbrush into an in-use orstorage configuration.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connectionwith the above description and the drawings. It will be understood thatit would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to describe andillustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments.Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/orcombination, and the present specification, including the drawings,shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of allcombinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein,and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shallsupport claims to any such combination or subcombination.

An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for anyone of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can besubstituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements canbe described above as acting in certain combinations and even initiallyclaimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or moreelements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised fromthe combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentembodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown anddescribed hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations arepossible in light of the above teachings without departing from thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A toothpaste dispensing toothbrush, comprising: ahandle including an interior cavity to store a toothpaste therein; adispensing element provided within the interior cavity to dispense thetoothpaste onto a head in fluid communication with the interior cavityvia a conduit; a plurality of apertures provided on a front side of thehead to permit the egress of toothpaste onto the head; and a pluralityof bristles positioned on the front side of the head.
 2. The toothpastedispensing toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the dispensing element is anArchimedes screw.
 3. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 2,further comprising a rotationally engaged disc in operable communicationwith the dispensing element.
 4. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush ofclaim 3, further comprising a lock to prevent the rotation of therotationally engaged disc.
 5. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush ofclaim 4, further comprising a latch to retain the toothbrush in anunfolded position.
 6. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 5,further comprising a hinge in operable communication with a door topermit access to the interior cavity.
 7. The toothpaste dispensingtoothbrush of claim 6, further comprising a rubber gasket positionedbetween the rotationally engaged disc and an interior wall of theinterior cavity.
 8. A toothpaste dispensing toothbrush, comprising: ahandle including an interior cavity to store a toothpaste therein, thetoothpaste stored in a plurality of toothpaste tubes; a selectivelyoperable dispensing element provided within the interior cavity todispense the toothpaste onto a head in fluid communication with theinterior cavity via a conduit; a plurality of apertures provided on afront side of the head to permit the egress of toothpaste onto the head;and a plurality of bristles positioned on the front side of the head toprovide abrasion to the teeth, gums, and tongue.
 9. The toothpastedispensing toothbrush of claim 8, wherein the toothbrush is a foldingtoothbrush.
 10. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 9, whereina selectively operable latch retains the toothbrush in an unfoldedposition during use.
 11. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim10, wherein the dispensing element is an Archimedes screw.
 12. Thetoothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 11, further comprising arotationally engaged disc in operable communication with the dispensingelement.
 13. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 12, furthercomprising a lock to prevent the rotation of the rotationally engageddisc.
 14. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 13, furthercomprising a hinge in operable communication with a door to permitaccess to the interior cavity.
 15. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrushof claim 14, further comprising a rubber gasket positioned between therotationally engaged disc and an interior wall of the interior cavity.16. A toothpaste dispensing toothbrush, comprising: a handle includingan interior cavity to store a toothpaste therein, the toothpaste storedin a plurality of toothpaste tubes; a selectively operable dispensingelement provided within the interior cavity to dispense the toothpasteonto a head in fluid communication with the interior cavity via aconduit, the dispensing element configured to drive a disc positionedwithin the interior cavity to forcibly emit the toothpaste through theconduit; a selectively operable latch to retain the toothbrush in anunfolded position during use; a plurality of apertures provided on afront side of the head to permit the egress of toothpaste onto the head;and a plurality of bristles positioned on the front side of the head toprovide abrasion to the teeth, gums, and tongue.
 17. The toothpastedispensing toothbrush of claim 16, wherein the dispensing element is anArchimedes screw.
 18. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 17,further comprising a rotationally engaged disc in operable communicationwith the dispensing element.
 19. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush ofclaim 18, further comprising a lock to prevent the rotation of therotationally engaged disc.
 20. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush ofclaim 19, further comprising a hinge in operable communication with adoor to permit access to the interior cavity.